Introduction

Introduction
The full name of the project is: Institutional Capacity Building Activities on Guyana Sea Defences within the Framework of a Shore Zone Management System. The project is situated at the Sea and River Defence Division of the Ministry of Public Works in Guyana. The project that has started at the end of 2003 will continue well into 2005.

Through the capacity building objectives, the project addresses the key issues that are relevant for managing the sea defences in Guyana. These issues are central in the work of 6 Trainee Teams that is to result in applicable solutions. The active participation of a number of relevant authorities in Guyana is sought for this Training Programme.

In support of the Training Programme a comprehensive set of Survey and Data collection, Modelling, Mapping and GIS Activities will be carried out.

Framework
The long-term objective of developing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Guyana provides a framework for the present project. The Sea and River Defence Division is to play a key role in ICZM through the management of the sea defences, consisting of both mangrove vegetation and man-made structures.

Strategy and Master Plan for Sea Defences will allow for more effective and cost-efficient management of the sea defences. The future development of this plan is the main purpose and the application of the capacities that will be built through the present project.

Sea Defences Management: natural mangrove vegetation and man-made sea wall..

Objectives
The objectives for the present project are defined as follows:

• To strengthen Sea and River Defence Division to meet its responsibilities in administration and planning of sea defences, through efficient management of these with updated technical capacity and trained technical staff.
• To establish reliable baseline data for sea defences management and shore zone management.
   

In order to fullfill the objectives, the Consultant Royal Haskoning from the Netherlands in co-operation with ITC, Delft Hydraulics and SRKN’gineering has developed a training programme which will play a central role in the project activities. The active participation of a number of relevant authorities in Guyana is sought in this Training Programme.

Project Area

Satellite Image of the project area: the coast from Charity to the Mahaica River, including the Essequibo River up to Bartica.

Anticipated Project Results
The project will result in the capacities that play a key role in the decision making process for a Strategy and Master Plan for Sea Defences as part of ICZM. It provides information on the condition of the sea defences along the coastline (both mangrove and man-made structures) and the natural conditions that face it.

Furthermore, the Training Programme results in a comprehensive group of staff, both at Guyana Sea Defences and at participating organisations, that is using and applying these tools. This will allow for a more effective and cost-efficient management of sea defences.